Choose the Right Strapping Material
How to Choose the Right Plastic Strapping Material for Your Hand-Held Power Strapping Tool
When it comes to plastic strapping, there are several options. So which material is best for your ZAPAK tool? The choice depends on your application — load type, weight, and environmental conditions. Below is a quick guide to help you select the most suitable strapping material.
Polypropylene (PP) Straps — Light to Medium Duty
Polypropylene (PP) strapping is an economical choice designed for light to medium-duty unitizing, palletizing, and bundling applications. It offers higher elongation at break but tends to exhibit permanent stretch under constant tension. PP straps are also sensitive to UV exposure and may degrade if stored outdoors.
Key Features
- High elongation and flexibility.
- Low retained tension.
- Easy to recycle.
- Cost-effective for light-duty strapping.
- Compatible with: ZP90, ZP93, ZP97, ZP-SW25, ZP20, ZP28
Polyester (PET) Straps — Medium to Heavy Duty
Polyester (PET) strapping is stronger than PP and often serves as a practical alternative to steel strapping. It maintains excellent retained tension on rigid loads, resists weathering, and absorbs impacts without breaking.
Key Features
- Excellent elongation and recovery.
- High tension and superior strength.
- Weather- and chemical-resistant.
- Easy to recycle.
- Cost-effective for medium to heavy-duty strapping.
- Compatible with: ZP90, ZP93, ZP97, ZP-SW25, ZP20, ZP28
Corded & Woven Straps — Heavy Duty
Corded and woven strapping are made from high-tenacity polyester or rayon fibers. Used with a buckle joint, they can achieve system strengths exceeding steel banding, making them ideal for export packaging, sea freight, and rail transport.
Key Features
- High tension and strength.
- Weather- and chemical-resistant.
- Re-usable and re-tensionable.
- Soft and pliable — ideal for round or irregular shapes.
- Compatible with: ZP-CT32.
Composite Straps — Heavy Duty
Composite strapping features polyester filaments embedded within a polypropylene coating, combining high tensile strength with enhanced surface friction. Known as synthetic steel, this material offers excellent abrasion resistance and joint efficiency when used with a wire buckle — and its performance remains stable under varying climates.
Key Features
- High tension retention.
- Weather-resistant and durable.
- Strong as steel.
- High cross-directional strength.
- Excellent shock absorption.
- Compatible with: ZP-CT32
Need Help Choosing?
We hope this guide helps you find the right strapping material for your ZAPAK tool.
Please contact us if you need further assistance. Our team will be happy to recommend the best solution for your application.
